Consumer Reports: Headphones, Streaming Music Services

Consumer Reports: Headphones, Streaming Music Services

There's been a bit of a paradox in the world of consumer audio for the past few years, says Consumer Reports. Customers are springing for pricey headphones and wireless speakers that are capable of providing great sound.

But at the same time, they're ditching CDs and high-quality digital downloads in favor of streaming audio, which can be lower quality, from services such as Pandora and Spotify. Audiophiles have rebelled and are now embracing new high-resolution digital-audio formats and players that promise to deliver greater fidelity.

So what does it all mean to the everyday music lover willing to spend a little money to get great sound, but confused by all of the formats, services and crazy lingo of the audio world? Consumer Reports crunched the numbers on streaming services and found some great gear.

THE $10 UPGRADE

Even if you're not interested in buying into a new audio format, you can still improve your listening experience. One of the most effective steps you can take is buying new headphones or speakers.

Just $10 can get you earphones that did well in Consumer Reports' tests (Panasonic RP-TCM125), offering a big upgrade from the cheap earbuds that come with many devices. For $100 or so, you can get headphones with excellent sound (Onkyo IE-FC300). Just don't get suckered into buying special "high-res" headphones; any great-sounding pair will do.

A good wireless speaker system will range in price from less than $100 to several times that. But you don't need to go too high-end to get high-quality sound.

There are two types of wireless speakers: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Both will let you play music from mobile devices, and some provide direct access to streaming services and Internet radio stations.

Each type has its advantages. Bluetooth speakers have a 30-foot range. Many have rechargeable batteries that let you take them almost anywhere. All smartphones and many tablets support Bluetooth, and some have NFC (near field communication) technology for pairing devices simply by tapping them together.

Wi-Fi models are designed primarily for home use and are able to play songs from multiple devices on your network. Wi-Fi speakers have a greater range than Bluetooth models, and you can send music to several speakers at once, even in different rooms. But configuring a Wi-Fi speaker to work with your network isn't as easy as pairing Bluetooth devices. Also, there are competing and incompatible wireless standards (Apple's AirPlay, Sonos and proprietary systems from LG and Samsung), and once you buy into one, you're stuck with it.

In the end, there is no perfect audio source or setup (except, perhaps, a band sitting right in front of you). Just spend your money wisely, and have faith in the best audio equipment you already own -- your ears.

COMPARING STREAMING MUSIC SERVICES

Online services differ in audio quality, musical offerings, features and price. See which is the best choice for you.